Kindergarten & Preschool Programs in Perth Metropolitan
A guide to choosing kindergarten and preschool programs in Perth Metro, covering 39 providers, what to look for, and how our ranking works.
Kindergarten and preschool programs cover structured early learning for children roughly between ages three and five, in the years before formal schooling starts. Unlike general long day care, these programs are usually built around a curriculum, often following the Early Years Learning Framework, with set terms, dedicated educators, and a stronger focus on school-readiness skills like early literacy, numeracy, social routines, and independence. Some run as standalone kindergartens, others as a structured room within a larger childcare centre. We've listed 39 providers across Perth Metro offering this kind of program.
What to look for
Start with the educator-to-child ratios and whether staff hold (or are working towards) an early childhood teaching qualification, not just a Certificate III. Ask how the program structures a typical day: is there a real balance of guided learning and free play, outdoor time, and rest? Check the physical space too, outdoor play areas, shaded zones, and how they separate younger and older groups. Location and session flexibility matter as well: some programs only run school-term hours, others offer wraparound care for working parents. Finally, ask about transition-to-school practices, since a good preschool will actively prepare children and communicate with parents about progress.
How we score providers
Our ranking weighs qualifications and staffing, program structure, facilities, parent feedback, and compliance history rather than just star ratings. The full ranked list is at our best kindergarten and preschool programs guide, and the scoring approach behind it is explained in detail on our methodology page.
Find care for kindergarten & preschool programs
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All kindergarten & preschool programs, ranked by score and relevance
We found 39 businesses offering kindergarten & preschool programs; 23 met the criteria for the scored directory. The order weighs each business's overall score by how much of its reviewed work is kindergarten & preschool programs, so a lower-scored specialist can rank above a higher-scored generalist. Filter and sort below, or open the full map view.
Enquiries submitted through this site's forms may be passed to partner providers who can do the work, and we may receive a referral fee. Our rankings and scores come from our independent scoring method only and are not affected by referral fees.
Common questions about kindergarten & preschool programs
- How much does kindergarten or preschool cost in Perth?
- Fees vary widely depending on whether it's a standalone community kindergarten, a government-run program, or a preschool room inside a private childcare centre. Standalone and public kindergarten programs are often lower cost or subsidised, while preschool rooms within long day care centres charge daily fees similar to childcare, though the Child Care Subsidy can apply if the provider is CCS-approved. It's worth asking each provider directly what subsidies apply to their program type.
- How many days a week does my child need to attend?
- Most kindergarten programs run two to five sessions a week during school terms, with many families choosing two or three days in the kindy year before school and building up if enrolled the year before that (sometimes called playgroup or three-year-old kindy). Full-time attendance isn't usually required, but consistency helps children settle into routines.
- What should I expect from a good preschool program?
- Expect a set daily routine mixing structured learning activities with outdoor and free play, regular updates on your child's development, and a program that visibly builds toward school-readiness skills like following instructions, basic literacy and numeracy exposure, and social problem-solving. You should also expect clear communication around incidents, meals, and any additional needs support.
- How can I judge the quality of a kindergarten before enrolling?
- Visit in person if possible and watch how educators interact with children during a normal session, not just an open day. Ask about staff qualifications, turnover, and ratios, check the outdoor space, and ask to see or hear about their curriculum planning. Talking to current parents, when you can, tends to reveal more than a website ever will.
Guides to choosing kindergarten & preschool programs
- Kindergarten vs long day care: which is right for your child
How kindergarten and preschool programs differ from long day care centres in Perth, on hours, curriculum and cost, and how to work out which fits your family.
- Helping your child move from kindy to primary school in WA
A practical look at the move from kindy to pre-primary and school in WA, what changes day to day, and how to support your child through it.